Budgeting basics

A budget is a spending plan that helps you understand how much money you're making and where you're spending it. A budget is the cornerstone of a strong financial plan.

Envelope budgeting

Zero-based budget

Create a home budget

Budgeting tips

A couple budgets together.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

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Understanding discretionary income can help you with your budgeting strategy.

Our guide tackles the basics of disposable income and how you can use it to budget.

Essential reading

Calculate your savings

Use our Savings Calculator to help you quickly and accurately estimate the growth of your investment. Set a goal and figure out how much you need to save each month to hit the mark.

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Latest articles

Post-pandemic financial checklist

Before making this your own version of the roaring ’20s, here’s what you may want to consider.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after an FOMC meeting.

The Fed’s patience could be challenged as the U.S. economy comes roaring back to life.

Woman reading folder at desk in living room

Here’s how to respond to lower rates if you’re in the market for a CD or savings account.

Close up of Treasury Department stimulus check

Those taxpayers could potentially see thousands of extra dollars when they file for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Illustration of Capitol Hill rotunda and coronavirus stimulus checks

Most plan to spend their stimulus funds on necessities, not on shopping, dining or traveling.

Young student works on college campus using her laptop

For the first time, adult dependents are eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check.

Woman looking at bar graphs with mask on illustration.

But the U.S. economy should pick up speed, thanks to fresh fiscal stimulus.

Father helps son with his homework

Experts warn the IRS may be hard-pressed to send out checks starting in July.

Mother and daughter shopping for vegetables

These six simple moves can help you build a cash cushion.

illustration of money growing on trees

Here’s a helpful guide to how much you need in savings over the course of your life.

young woman smiling on city sidewalk

Creating a timeline is a useful way to plan and meet all your financial goals.

Illustration of construction workers on a roof

An emergency fund is an essential part of a solid financial plan.

Man using cell phone in living room

It’s important to find the right home for your emergency savings.

Calendar of 2023

Use this challenge to stash more cash toward your savings goals.

Young man choosing oranges in the supermarket

Monthly budgets are popular because many expenses, such as rent and bills, occur monthly.

Mechanic uses force to unlock bolt

Rainy day and emergency funds differ but together provide a sound financial plan.

Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank

Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.

A piggybank floating on a liferaft

Sixty percent of households feel behind on their emergency savings in 2023.

Halloween bucket filled with money

Despite inflation and expenses, there are ways to increase your emergency savings.

piggybank

Here are some of the best savings accounts you can sign up for as a business owner.

Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office

Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.

man taking money out of a wallet

If you’re struggling to save money right now, you’re not alone. Here’s how a few easy changes can help.

A man uses the Qapital app to save money.

Build up your savings by automatically setting aside small amounts of money.

A couple budgets together.

Not having success with your savings? A budget can make things a little easier.

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